STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation issued Air Quality Health Advisory for Staten Island and the rest of New York City for Monday morning was caused by a forest fire in New Jersey.

The alert with the index at 100 for fine particulates was in effect until about 1 p.m. when it was removed because the air quality had improved to safe levels.

People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities. Children and people with pre-existing breathing problems such as asthma or heart disease were at special risk.

The toll-free air quality hotline is 800-535-1345.

Hopefully, rain predicted for Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning will wash some of the pollution out of the air.

The high is expected to reach 52 degrees with rain starting during the Monday evening rush hour and expected to be heavy in the evening with showers lasting through the Tuesday morning rush hour. The remainder of the day on Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high of 63 degrees, according to AccuWeather.com.